Erik ten Hag learned the hard way that the Premier League is an altogether different ball game than the Eredivisie, as Manchester United entered the new season suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford. The former Ajax manager had raised hopes of fans expecting to see the Reds climb out of the ever-deepening slump that’s been there since Sir Alex Ferguson quit, and was most prominent last season. 

However, even as Bruno Fernandes missed, and Christian Eriksen inexplicably played as an attacking forward, the Dutchman kept talismanic Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. The transfer saga ahead of the season, with ten Hag expressing an interest in working with Ronaldo and the 37-year-old wishing to move away, might have caused some rifts. 

Ronaldo had said he was “ready” before the game and despite missing part of the pre-season tour, the striker was there for the United friendly against Rayo Vallecano. 

Also Read | Old dog, new tricks: Watch Lionel Messi score first bicycle goal of career

ten Hag, however, justified his decision, saying “Cristiano Ronaldo is working really hard to get in the right fitness levels, it will take time”, and added, “He started pre-season last week… so it depends on how quick he is progressing”, Shamoon Hafez of BBC Sport reported. 

Ronaldo missed out on the initial part of the pre-season tour due to family reasons, as per reports, but rumour mills started churning that the striker was looking for a change. United only managed the sixth spot last season, meaning the club won’t play in the Champions League this time, which is a pressing concern for the ageing and record-hungry Ronaldo. 

Also Read | Why Wayne Rooney feels Man United should let Cristiano Ronaldo go

United initially denied Ronaldo seeking a move, but couldn’t keep it under wraps for long. While they engaged in negotiations with the Portuguese star, Ronaldo also faced a slew of rejections from top-flight clubs and his recent posts indicate that the forward will remain with United this season, with the transfer window almost coming to a close. Instead, Ronaldo might seek a shift next season when his contract with United expires.